Induction Cooktop Thin-Film Layout for Non-Magnetic Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Induction heating cooktops are limited in heating efficiency for non-magnetic objects and require separate heating elements, leading to increased cooking time and higher material costs.

Innovation Solution

An induction heating cooktop design featuring a thin film with a specific optimized shape, including sub-thin films arranged in a closed loop and a heat conduction member in a predetermined pattern, which can efficiently heat both magnetic and non-magnetic objects through induction heating and heat conduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate heating plate is added to enable induction heating of non-magnetic objects, then heating capability for non-magnetic objects is improved, but heating efficiency decreases and cooking time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capability for non-magnetic objectsVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heating plate functionality directly into the upper plate structure, eliminating the need for a separate heating plate component. The upper plate itself is configured to enable induction heating of both magnetic and non-magnetic objects, thereby improving heating efficiency while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the cooking surface and the induction heating element. This multi-functional design allows the same structure to heat both magnetic and non-magnetic objects efficiently, eliminating the need for separate heating mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hybrid cooktop with radiant heater is used to heat non-magnetic objects, then heating capability is improved, but device complexity increases and material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capability for non-magnetic objectsVSAvoidcooktop structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upper plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the cooking surface and the induction heating element. This multi-functional design allows the same structure to heat both magnetic and non-magnetic objects efficiently, eliminating the need for separate heating mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the separate radiant heater component from the hybrid cooktop design. By integrating the heating functionality directly into the upper plate, the design removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining the ability to heat various materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an all metal cooktop is used to heat metal objects, then induction heating capability is improved, but heating efficiency for non-metallic objects decreases and material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinduction heating capabilityVSAvoidheating efficiency for non-metallic objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The upper plate is designed as a composite structure that combines metallic and non-metallic materials. This composite construction enables the plate to be induction-heated while also allowing efficient heat transfer to non-metallic cooking vessels, thereby improving heating efficiency for both metal and non-metal objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The upper plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the cooking surface and the induction heating element. This multi-functional design allows the same structure to heat both magnetic and non-magnetic objects efficiently, eliminating the need for separate heating mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design allows for uniform heating of various materials, reducing cooking time and material costs by enabling efficient induction heating of both magnetic and non-magnetic objects with the same heating source, improving usability and heating efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

In the induction heating method, a target heating object may be heated by an eddy current generated in the target heating object made of a metal material using an electrical field that is generated around a coil when a high frequency power having a predetermined magnitude is applied to the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

a target heating object may be heated by an eddy current generated in the target heating object made of a metal material using an electrical field that is generated around a coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

a thin film, which is a separate component that can be induction heated. Thus, it may be possible to heat a container made of a magnetic material and thus capable of being induction heated and a container incapable of being directly induction heated using heat conducted from a thin film that is separately induction heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3890440B1Induction heating type cooktop for heating object by induction heating of thin film
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3890440B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3890440B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3890440B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An induction heating type cooktop includes a case, an upper plate coupled to a top of the case and configured to support a target heating object, a working coil disposed inside the case and configured to heat the target heating object, a thin film disposed at a top surface of the upper plate or a bottom surface of the upper plate, and an insulator disposed between the bottom surface of the upper plate and the working coil. The thin film includes a plurality of sub-thin films that are arranged about a central portion of the working coil. Each of the plurality of sub-thin films defines a closed loop surrounding the central portion of the working coil. The thin firm further includes a heat conduction member that is arranged in a predetermined pattern and contacts at least one of the plurality of sub-thin films.